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Laurentiuskirche reopened after flood: A place of hope in Ahrweiler!
Laurentiuskirche in Ahrweiler reopened after flood disaster in 2021. Bishop Ackermann celebrates the return of faith.
Laurentiuskirche reopened after flood: A place of hope in Ahrweiler!
August 10, 2023 was an emotional day for the community of Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler. The Laurentiuskirche was ceremoniously reopened in July 2021 after severe damage caused by the devastating flood disaster. The church, which was consecrated in 1269 and is considered the oldest Gothic hall church in the Rhineland, had to contend with flood waters of over one meter during the night of the flood. Bishop Stephan Ackermann gave the sermon in a packed church and spoke of the resilience and renewed role of the church as a place of security and encounter between God and people. Diocese of Trier reports that ...
The damage caused by the flood was devastating. Pastor Jörg Meyrer, who was a pastor on the night of the flood, emotionally recalled the extent of the devastation when water was waist-high in the church and everything was transformed into a chaos of brown and stench. A total of 135 people died in the Ahr Valley, which firmly anchored the tragedy in the back of the community's minds. Despite all these challenges, the reopening of St. Laurentius Church is a sign of hope for the people in the region. Katholisch.de adds that...
Renovation as an act of solidarity
The extensive renovation of the church, which cost an estimated four million euros, included renewing the floor, installing new pews and a comprehensive restoration of the ceiling frescoes. Particularly impressive is the new altar made of Belgian bluestone, which has two carved lines: one marks the height of the flood, the other symbolizes the tidal wave. These structural and symbolic elements testify to the resilience of the community and the people's unwavering faith. Tagesschau reports that ...
After the festive service there was a day of community, which invited visitors to discussions and tours of the now newly designed church. Supporters, specialist companies and numerous helpers were honored in the speeches for their tireless efforts during the renovation. Bishop Ackermann particularly thanked everyone who contributed to the renovation. He emphasized that this renovated church is not just a building, but a place for gathering and spiritual encounter. Pastor Jörg Meyrer and Dean Peter Strauch added that divine help is essential in difficult times and that human solidarity should not be forgotten.
The Laurentius Church is the first large church in Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler to be reopened after the flood. Together with the imminent reopening of the Catholic Rosary Church in winter 2025 and the Protestant Martin Luther Church, which is still under construction, there is a positive outlook for the region. It is hoped that residents continue to enjoy the good touch and support of experienced hands to heal and revitalize their communities.